Fall equinox and a blood moon and lunar eclipse (which we didn’t get to see here because of cloudy, rainy weather) bring along physical and tangible changes (shorter days, cooler weather, change in clothing and eating patterns) and metaphysical and intangible changes we will only be able to identify later, through the rearview mirror.

A few days go, I saw this large bird sitting on a crooked pole in the big garden. Even though a flock of crows tried to chase him (or her?) away, he remained on his lookout post. The crows finally let him be, their screeching fading away into the morning fog…

I asked my husband to drive me down there, hoping that the bird would allow us to get closer in the car than we could if we were approaching on foot. So he drove very slowly and I kept taking pictures which got clearer and sharper the closer we got. Finally, I got out of the car fully expecting the bird to fly away – at least I’d get some shots of his wing span! But, he didn’t budge and just kept tearing pieces from the little furry thing that served as his breakfast. Holding my breath, I walked right underneath the branch he was perched on and kept shooting. I even talked to him and introduced myself.

My favorite animal symbolism resource is Ted Andrew’s book Animal Speak. And here, I learned about the hawk being a messenger bird (exactly what I had felt) who “teaches how to fly to great heights while still keeping your feet on the ground.” Hawk also indicates a readiness to move towards one’s soul purpose in a more deliberate fashion (ha, I am so ready for that!).

In my meditation on the personal significance of meeting this bird, I gathered that it was time to focus and be fearless about the path I choose. I am ready for the next big thing and I know it’s coming. The hawk said so…

Oh, and another change: as you will have undoubtedly noticed, I am attempting to reclaim my mother tongue by practicing bilingualism. I know my German relatives and friends will appreciate the translation, even if it’s a bit awkward at first.

Hi Annette! I’m one of those who knows that change can be either a blessing or a curse and it is up to us to decide. Good for you for being open to the “message” this magnificent bird seemed to bring you. And good luck on the translation aspect too. I think that is an interesting addition to your blog. ~Kathy

So awesome! If the hawk said so, then so be it! This is a fabulous post. To get so close to such a magnificent creature is a real treat. Thanks for taking us on your adventure. Although my great grandparents immigrated to the USA from Germany, I still can’t speak much German after years of German in high school. But, I can read and understand a little of your post. 🙂

Thank you, Debbie, this felt like a real initiation into “something.” Glad you still remember some of your high school German. I feel compelled to “practice” my German before I totally lose it, after decades of speaking and writing only English. And I have relatives who don’t speak sufficient English to understand everything I write about. Google translator is notoriously bad for translating entire paragraphs.